‘A Call to Honor’
As organizer for the Zelienople Historical Society of the Butler County borough’s Fourth of July celebration, Adel Fatur likes to add new events.
“A Call to Honor: The Tomb of the Unknown Replica” will be featured this year for four days at Four Corners Park.
The half-sized replica of the historic monument at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia is dedicated to deceased U.S. service members whose remains have not been found. It has crypt covers for soldiers from World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
Created and owned since 2014 by the Exchange Club of Rome, Ga., the tomb travels the country. Zelienople is the only stop scheduled in Pennsylvania this summer.
Ms. Fatur, 72, of Zelienople, learned about the exhibit on the internet.
“I just want to bring the community together,” she said.
The tomb will be escorted to town July 1.
Plans call for an opening ceremony July 2, wreath presentations July 3 and the closing ceremony July 5.
Anyone is invited to lay a wreath, as long as they schedule a time because taps will be played.
Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. Proceeds will help pay for the exhibit, with any remaining funds going to veterans groups.
Eight-by-12-inch flags to be placed in the park are being sold for $1 each.
“The goal is to put out 6,000 flags,” Ms. Fatur said.
As part of the July 4 parade, there will be a riderless horse with boots reversed in the stirrups. Often identified with President John F. Kennedy’s funeral
procession, it is one of the highest honors for the fallen.
Last year, Ms. Fatur introduced a patriotic porch decorating contest that was so popular, it is being expanded to surrounding communities. The grand prize will be a helicopter ride for two over Zelienople.
Zelienople Manager Don Pepe said Ms. Fatur, the borough’s 2020 Volunteer of the Year, is a combination of grit and charm.
“She’s been super-kind and compassionate,” he said. “Her planning is exceptional. “She’s a go-getter.”
For more on the exhibit, go to zeliehistory.org or call the historical society at 724-452-9457. Donations can be sent to the Zelienople Historical Society, 243 S. Main St., Zelienople, PA 16063. Include a note on the check they are for thetomb or a flag for it.